The Commonwealth of Baker Park Travel Guide and Map So, you're here! What's the deal?The Commonwealth consists of seven constituent states—the State of Baker Park, Endover, Osheana, Ezra, Midalia, St Leon, and Lynchana—each with their own unicameral legislative body. They are united as a federal parliamentary democracy; the Parliament consists of the 231 member House of Assembly and the 56 member Council of State. The Prime Minister is the Head of the Government which is currently held by Mrs Rebecca Schoenlien, having been re-elected to a third 5 year term that began in March. She is the leader of the Federalist Party of Baker Park, which has governed the nation continuously since 1951 under six different Prime Ministers.
From 1893 until 1978, the central figure of country was the Prince Regent, whose duties were largely ceremonial although he held a few specific rights and privileges; the unexpected death of Prince Daniel in 1978 left the country unprepared, as there was no immediate successor. The position was renamed Head of State and it became an elected office in 1996. Timothy M Wentworth is the current holder of the office, halfway through serving the first of his two permitted six year terms.
We are centrally located within Atlantian Oceana and proud to be one of the top tourist destinations in the region and the multiverse, welcoming nearly 2 million visitors per year. Outdoor activities, parks, museums and cultural sites, natural scenery under strict conservation, and ease of travel around all 182,600 square miles of the Commonwealth are several factors in why so many from outside the country choose to spend holiday time here.
Belle Haven is the national capital of the Commonwealth, with a metro area population of over 5.6 million inhabitants—more than 10% of the country's total population of 53,000,000--making it the largest city as well as the financial, entertainment, and cultural center of the country.
The engine that drives the country's economy is the industrial conglomerate that was founded by the family that established the nation, the Baker International Corporation. Known by citizens as "The Company" or "the International" or just BI, at one time in the 1950's it was responsible for close to 50% of the nation's GDP; over the past 40 years it has divested itself from many of the companies that dominated the economy, opening up opportunities for more investment and growth for both those entities and competitors alike.
What to Know while You're here.Baker Park prides itself on the equality of citizens, our respect for the rule of law, and the wide array of civil liberties that are important as the foundation of our society. We protect the basic rights of all individuals no matter their identity.
--Most bars and pubs have closing time at 3am, and only such establishments that serve food can legally open prior to 11:15 am to serve alcohol. The legal age for purchase and consumption of both beer and spirits is 18.
--We have legalized gambling in Baker Park; there is a modern casino downtown in Belle Haven as well as casinos in East Liverpool (just south of Endborough) and suburban Oceana. Additionally, there are video poker/slot facilities at various horse tracks, sports books, and the National Lottery.
--Cannabis is legal for use and purchase, but please do not bring your own, nor should you attempt to bring other 'hard drugs' into the country. Prostitution is not illegal, but not technically legal either. By law, prostitution or solicitation can be charged as no more than minor misdemeanors, although in some places it is not a criminal offense at all.
--Violent crime is extremely rare in the Commonwealth. There is a higher chance you will fall off a subway platform than be assaulted or robbed with a firearm, and we take enormous pride in the safety of our subways systems. 099 is the universal emergency response phone number, and especially in cities there are emergency call boxes that are well marked.
Police in Baker Park's largest cities have adopted a crowd control policy that is best described as 'hands off, but non-negotiable' for large gatherings involving sport. Generally a perimeter is established and intervention only occurs if danger to oneself or others is likely. They're not looking to arrest anyone, unless you go out of your way to give them a reason to.
About our PeopleThe Commonwealth is a diverse cultural, multi-racial, tolerant nation; we are a country built by immigrants and we continue to welcome upwards of 95,000 new arrivals from across the multiverse every year.
People in Baker Park tend to be formal or deferential to strangers when you first meet them; this is something of an ingrained relic of the values and lessons of our ancestors, as 'propriety' is a word that every child & teen has drilled into their head from an early age. Yet Parkers are extremely quick to make a friend and no one remains a stranger for long, as we are a curious nation eager to learn about people (and other individuals) and cultures from across the multiverse. Even people from nations we have had political differences with in the past have always been afforded respect and courtesy.
You'll probably notice fairly early on that we have a bit of Victoriana fetish here in Baker Park, it's really hard to miss; if you hear the term “VC”, that's reference to the so-called 'Victoria Cult' that the nation was trapped in--according to the youth generation of the 60's, 70's and 80's--by norms and outdated thinking. Later, it became a retro kitsch movement (pushed by the same group that hated it), a bit of a satirical self reference. She's been dead for over a century and a quarter yet her grim visage stares back at us on
two different denominations of coin (50 cents [a 'Vickie'] and the 2 dollar [a 'Vic'])
We have parks, buildings, bars, restaurants, streets, schools, political divisions and anything else you can think of named for Victoria, her spouse, family and every other reference to her; almost every adult over the age of 35 in this county knows some arcane trivia fact about the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Not because they necessarily want to.
TravelTravel in Baker Park is easy and safe due to the modern mass transportation infrastructure that the country has built over the last 80 years. Connections to major cities are available via rail, road, plane or ferry. Rental cars are available at relatively modest rates, as competition is fierce among rental firms; almost any type of vehicle you might wish to hire is available, as the Commonwealth automobile market is made up of about 35% imports, so you'll find about any make or model you could imagine here. You can easily roll around town in a rental car that would be nearly impossible to afford in most other nations (as long as you have a valid Driver's License in your home country).
Within the Greater City of Belle Haven area, public transportation is widely available across several platforms; CARTA (Capital Area Rapid Transit Authority) provides for public buses, a modern light-rail network, a clean & efficient subway system and connections to commuter and interstate rail lines.
Transit fares are equalized across all types of accommodation; 1 day, 3 day and 7 day passes each offer discounts off the regular single ride price, and the system is fully integrated; one price allows you to access to any CARTA mode of transport along with transfers.
Several other cities throughout the country have initiated or improved their commuter rapid transit systems over the past several years as people move farther away from core city areas; Endborough, Oceana, Ezriquay, and Lima have expansive subway/surface rail systems that generally operate along a similar model as CARTA.
Baker Park's limited access expressway grid connects all areas of the Commonwealth with the capital.
It is an enduring monument to the extensive public works initiatives introduced in the 1950's and 60's to bring the Commonwealth an ability to grow the economy quickly.
On major 'A' highways, the speed limit in less populated areas is 75, but that drops to 60 where the road goes through town and city centers.
The inter-city river ferry system is a popular option for travelers on day trips or weekend visits. There are vehicle and passenger-only options that operate on hourly schedules or dedicated point to point trips. The Belle Haven River remains a vital transportation artery in the Commonwealth even in the age of overnight, just in time logistics.
Belle Haven International Airport (BHX) serves 41 foreign & domestic carriers and accommodates over 900 takeoffs and departures per day. The airport is approximately 18 miles south of the city center, and there are numerous ground transportation options for arriving visitors at Belle Haven International; Metro Transit Buses, commuter rail, taxis, for hire limos, private coaches, rental cars and both private hub-to-hub & hotel shuttles are available to carry the traveler to any part of the city (or further) as needed.
There are also large airports that serve the other areas of the Commonwealth where matches will be played. Oceana, Ezriquay/Newport, Endborough, and Shirley/Coolville have International standard airports, capable of handling inbound flights from anywhere in the multiverse.
MoneyBaker Park's currency is the CBP dollar (C$); generally NS$ 1 is equivalent to about C$ 1.35. Exchange rates at retail level are consistent, but if in doubt use of credit/debit guarantees you will receive the most current one.
The monetary system is decimalized and denominations are 2, 5, 10 and 50 cent coins, 1 and 2 dollar coins, and 5, 10, 25, 100 and 500 dollar notes.
As a result of the 1998 elimination of the 1 cent coin, general practice throughout the county is to round up or down any prices that would result in purchases or change returned ending in 1 or 3 cents; for example, a merchant may keep the extra 1 cent if your change due is 3.31, or may return 2.54 if the amount due is 2.53 (merchants and vendors have through the years generally adapted pricing so this is a rare occurrence). Please don't be offended if the cashier short changes you by a cent.
Baker Park has a national Goods & Services Tax (GST) on a wide array of products and services; it is a tiered structure based upon the retail cost, meaning you will pay a lower tax rate on cheaper items (less than $20), and a higher rate on those that are more expensive (over $150). Visitors can apply for a refund of the Federal government share of GST (generally about 75% of the collected tax) by filling out a form with proof of purchase via sales receipts; ask at customs upon your departure for Form 85. In many cases at retail level, GST is incorporated into the price; for example an item that has a retail price of $1.80 is probably GST inclusive ($1.75 with a .05 tax) so this would not be refundable. A sales receipt will normally reflect what's built in and what's charged separately.
Cash tips or added gratuities for service are not expected, but are not uncommon. Generally, workers in hospitality and tourism are more accustomed to receiving small tips, but the level of service you receive is not affected if you choose not to do so. Workers at all levels of employment are paid under a scheme known as
CLAWS (Classified Labor and Wage Scale) which ensures that citizens are compensated fairly and reasonably equal to their peers based on years of work and experience.
Let's Gooooo!!Visitors to Belle Haven have a wide variety of activities to choose from; free tours of Baker Park's national capitol building, Parliament House, are available 7 days a week when Parliament is in session and 5 days a week during recesses, excepting certain holidays; call ahead to find out the hours as well as restricted times & dates. Other major government buildings open for public tours include Treasury House and St John's Palace, the residence of the Head of State of the Commonwealth. (Note--all three require
no admission fee)
The Commonwealth State Museum is the country's most visited museum site; it's actually three museums in one—
The State Museum, which covers history and the development of the Commonwealth; the
Museum of Commerce & Industry, which tells the story of Baker International, the Northern States Company and the other business entities that were key to the growth and stability; and the
Museum of Science & Culture, geared to a younger audience, with plenty of interactive displays and multimedia presentations.
The National Gallery of Art, behind Parliament House and next door to the High Tribunal of the Commonwealth/Ministry of State for Justice Building, showcases a variety of domestic and classic styles of artistic works.
Belle Haven City, as the main business district is officially called, also has many other attractions; Historic Charter House was the nation's first legislative building and later served as the Baker Park State and the Belle Haven City building; City Hall replaced its last incarnation, a stunning architectural landmark.
Company House Landing along the riverfront is the site where early settlers disembarked and were enrolled in the population ledgers and is also the location for "zero point", the plate all official distances within the Commonwealth are measured from; the Commonwealth Stock Exchange also is open for public tours, and the Baker International Tower--at 72 floors, it's the tallest skyscraper in the nation--has an observation deck and small exhibit area where the lives of the namesake family are presented. The Museum of Modern Art & Design is nearby and St Mark's Church, the second oldest congregation in the Commonwealth is a few blocks over.
Shopping more your thing? Every major retail chain has a flagship store in the city, located in clusters in three areas: on First Street from Victoria Street west to Market; Second Street from Westminster to Mercantile; and Third Street from Exchange to Commerce.
The Metro region has 2 zoos open to the public, they generally operate on opposing schedules to one another; on the South Bank of the Belle Haven River is the Keller Aquarium open year round; and there is plenty of green space to enjoy.
BBP National Stadium (Final, Semi Finals A & B, Quarterfinal D)
The stadium is a state of the art facility in every respect; built ahead of World Cup 84, it has become one of the busiest venues in the nation.
Three tiers of seating, as well as two levels of executive & club level seating, allow the stadium to be used in several different configurations. Victoria & Albert SC call the 17,000 seat field level area their home after leaving their famous Rosenau ground, and the stadium has hosted two World Cup 3rd Place Matches. the AOCAF 65 Final, two NSCF Championship games, the AOCL Final, as well as numerous domestic contests in several sports and will be the site of the 15th IFCF Champions League Final.
The Bank of Baker Park is the name sponsor, the nation's fourth largest financial company having been a major partner of the Football Association of the Commonwealth for over 60 years.
Sportsmen's Park (3rd Place Playoff, Quarterfinal B,
Group E: MD1 2v5, MD2 5v3. MD3 4v5, MD4 1v4, MD5 5v1)
The capital's second stadium and the oldest in the country is also its most visited & recognizable to even the slightly casual Baker Park sports fan. Most of the famous "firsts" in sport history occurred at the venue over the years since it was completed in 1921; its name comes from the former Deauville Sportsmen's Club—charter members of the FAC in 1901.
Further afield, the other cities hosting matches all have a myriad of options for the visitor; except for a couple of venues, all matches will take place in the state capitals of our nation, so museums, zoos, and other activities for the entire family are widely available. The Lake District in northeast Endover is a popular summer getaway for families (approx. 1 hr 40 min from Endborough by rail), and in the other corner is The Old North, formerly a large holding of the Northern States Company that was heavily cleared of its forests for use in building the railways, but has been reclaimed by conservation and is becoming a popular resort area as an alternative to the Lakes (approx. 2hr 10 min from Oceana by rail).
Additionally the southern part of the country has its' own attractions; although not a substitute for warm water beaches, the villages and getaways along the coast in both directions from Newport are popular with boaters, fishermen and vacationers. The higher elevations in the southeastern corner of the Commonwealth have become the center of the nascent winter resort industry in areas formerly used for deep mining of coal, iron ore and bauxite, as well as gas and oil drilling.
West/Southwest—Oceana, Ezriquay and NewportWhile Atlantian Oceania has its "Glorious Southwest", Baker Park's southwestern corner, the State of Ezra, has much to offer and it has been an active hotbed of the sport from the earliest years of the Commonwealth.
Ezriquay is the country's fourth largest city, situated on a peninsula formed by the last major bend in the Belle Haven River, it's often referred to as "The Thumb". Much more industrialized than the three cities that have a larger population, it has more blue-collar feel to it.
The Museum of Industry highlights the development of the manufacturing and innovation in the Commonwealth; the Ezriquay Zoological Gardens in University Park house an excellent collection of species from both the animal and plant kingdoms; a ferry trip around "the Thumb" to Hampton Borough or up the Stillwater to Middletown is a way to see a bit more of the area. There is a bustling food & drink district that sits between the University of Ezriquay and the Queen Victoria Stadium that has something on offer for every fan.
Travel to and from the nation's 4th largest city is probably as convenient as any city in Baker Park; The Josiah Peter Moore—Ezriquay International Airport, across the river in Collinsville is short trip from downtown via taxi, bus or train. Inter-city rail links Belle Haven via Hamilton and joins the Trunk Line running north & south to Oceana and Newport, via Southend.
Queen Victoria Stadium (Round of 16,
Group A: MD1 2v5, MD2 5v3, MD4 2v3, MD5 5v1)
The “Queen” got a royal makeover ahead of WC84 despite the off and on debate about whether a new stadium should replace it on a different part of the city. Also hosted matches in AOCAF 58 & 65, World Cup 90 and Women's World Cup 17.
Newport is the country's major seaport and also home to the Naval Service of the Commonwealth Fleet Command, but it also has plenty of other things to see and do. It was the home of the Western & Southern Company, another BI rival in the early years and is a leader in transport and shipping of both imports and exports. It is accessible by air via Ezriquay's airport (45 minutes by train/1 hour by car).
A visit to the Commonwealth Naval Officers Academy, on the west bank of the river across from the city is an option for an off day activity, and definitely don't miss the chance to take a tour of the NSC's oldest active commissioned ship, NSC
City of Belle Haven, a turn of the century battleship that saw action in two wars. Also the Commonwealth Aquarium is a great trip for all ages. The stadium is a bit of a walk from the “New Strip”, the place for a pre-match drink or bite to eat (the original 'Strip' is several blocks south, and is probably not as appropriate for family outings, if you get our drift—this is a Navy/merchant shipping town remember) so most establishments give you plenty of warning when there are 30 minutes prior to kickoff by the ringing of a bell, or some other device.
Newport City Stadium (Round of 16,
Group A: MD1 3v4, MD3, 3v1, MD4 1v4/
Group F: MD5 4v2)
The stadium is home to the Newport City FC and the Naval Academy's football team and has been a frequent host to the NT in recent years. An extensive rebuild prior to WC84 increased the seating to current capacity which has resulted in many international matches being played here.
Oceana is the capital of Osheana, and the nation's third largest city. It has always had a reputation as being the "anti-Belle Haven", due to its more conservative population; it was the home base of the former Northern States Company, who were the second largest business venture in the country. Today it is a sprawling metropolis and headquarters to several major corporations.
The State Legislative Building is close by to Collins Park, and there are several museums and attractions nearby. There is a amusement park, LeSourdesville Lake, approximately 15 miles south of downtown (24-28 mins by car), or you could head out to Brecon Borough to see the Oceana Ship Canal, which connects the area to the Belle Haven River via the Stillwater River.
There is no defined district where pubs, restaurants, bars and other pre-match hangouts are clustered, at least not in the central city; the area around the Legislature and the civic center has a few options for daytime matches, mostly chain restaurants aimed at the work crowd and tourists.
Oceana International Airport receives direct flights from many of the major cities to the west of the Commonwealth in AO, and was one of the two major departure points (along with aforementioned EIA) for the relief efforts during the Banija drought crisis.
Collins Park (Quarterfinal C, Round of 16,
Group A: MD2 1v2, MD5 4v2/
Group C: MD3 4v5)
There was a good reason why the stadium in Oceana was rarely used for NT matches in the pre-NS era: it was considered shabby and substandard. It is the opposite of that now which is why it has seen double the number of internationals played here in mixed gender competition and is always on the short list of host sites for tournaments. It has developed into one of the National Team's strongholds among regular venues.
Springfield/Salisbury/Lima/NewmarketThe terms "Baker Park" and "Commonwealth" are generally interchangeable when talking about the nation, but among the citizenry, Baker Park, or BP ('beep'), is usually more used when discussing the State of Baker Park, the Commonwealth's largest and most populous political division.
Salisbury has been growing rapidly over the last 25 years since CARTA extended the Red Line north from Hempstead Park in Belle Haven; the transformation into a satellite commuter town has included an increasing suburban corridor that is blurring the lines between “Metro” Belle Haven and Salisbury. There aren't a ton of things to see or do in Salisbury, but the fact the commuter trains run from downtown BH to within walking distance of the stadium means you can stay in the capital and make the quick trip on match day.
Salisbury City Stadium (Round of 16,
Group E: MD1 3v4, MD2 1v2, MD3 3v1, MD4 2v3, MD5 4v2)
The town's central location means that the stadium hosts many prominent sporting events as a neutral site. Take the Red Line, access from Belle Haven's Midtown Transit Center (approximate trip is 35 minutes.) to the Salisbury Civic Center (adjacent to the stadium)
Springfield would probably not be the bustling city of over 300,000 if a simple decision had not been made to route one of the east-west cross country railway lines through it instead of further south.
The city—BP's 8th largest--is the nation's agricultural hub, as the food processors & packagers, the farm commodity markets, the agri-business companies are all based here in the heart of "farm country".
The Baker Park State Fair began here in 1919 and has grown through the years to become the de facto national Agricultural Fair of the Commonwealth.
Unfortunately for the out of town visitor, the Fair doesn't happen until later in the year, but there is usually something taking place at the Fairgrounds across the road. There is also a museum dedicated to the various elements of the agricultural sector in Baker Park, located downtown near the A-75/A-49 expressway junction.
Unfortunately for the sports fan, there's nothing in the way of retail areas near the fairgrounds itself; your best option is to park at the fairgrounds and take the matchday shuttle downtown for a drink or two, then back the stadium, or park downtown and avail yourself of the shuttle.
State Fairground Stadium (Round of 16,
Group B: MD1 3v4, MD2 1v2, MD3 3v1, MD4 1v4, MD5 5v1)
Constructed in the 1970's to replace the aging wooden grandstand at the Fairgrounds, it hosts many sporting events and concerts year round. A second expansion ahead of World Cup 84 gave the stadium nearly double its original capacity. One of the most well regarded venues in the nation by spectators.
Newmarket was the administrative center of western Baker Park State in addition to being a major crossroads for agricultural movement inland. Politics kept the so called “Corn Train” railway from being run across the center of the state instead of along a more northerly route that shifted food production & processing to Springfield.
There is a re-created settlement camp from the early days of the country before it gained self-government at the Wagnerfield Reserve State Park, approximately 20 minutes southeast of the city. There is also the City Museum downtown, in the former Newmarket High Court building, and the Market Hall itself, which still operates 7 days a week. The stadium is shoehorned into the same general area (you'll be surprised at how compact the 'downtown' area actually is) and a labyrinth of alleys, short streets, half-blocks, and pedestrian walkways surrounds it, with numerous shops, stands, and of course places to get refreshment.
Prince William Stadium (
Group C: MD1 3v4, MD2 1v2, MD3 3v1, MD4 2v3, MD5 5v1)
The stadium was completed in 1952 and is named for Prince William of Oldenburg, the second Prince Regent of the Commonwealth; he succeeded his father, Prince Frederick in 1912 and served until his death at the age of 66 in 1947.
Lima is the the country's 13th largest city & has long called itself the Capital of the North so there has always a bit of pioneer spirit among citizens. An important center for several major industries (forestry/paper products, petroleum, chemicals), the state established its first branch of the University of Baker Park here in 1919.
Lions Stadium (
Group C: MD1 2v5, MD2 5v3, MD4 1v4, MD5 4v2)
The home of Northern Baker Park State University's fottball team, the stadium's soccer history has seen it host the finals of the Women's FAC Cup and the men's National League Cup and the BP Open Cup.
Northeast/SoutheastEndborough is the Commonwealth's Second City, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is the state capital of Endover and the home of the nation's top institution of higher education, the University of Endover.
Places to visit include the House of Representatives Building; Old City Hall; the Schroeder Collection of Wildlife Art at the State Museum, and ferry rides along the White & Belle Haven Rivers. McKenna Street is the major downtown nightlife area in the city, sure to be packed on match days.
Endborough Airport is a bit out of the way when compared to other cities in Baker Park, but it is easy to get to & from, capable of handling the largest passenger & cargo jets and high volume air traffic.
Rogers Stadium (Quarterfinal A, Round of 16,
Group B: MD1 2v5, MD2 5v3, MD3 4v5, MD5 2v3, MD5 4v2)
Completed in 1926 as a home for the Endborough Gold Sox baseball team. In 1975, the Endborough Eagles professional football team entered into an agreement to help finance an expansion that nearly doubled the capacity and another investment from the Endborough RFC to share the stadium as a tenant brought about further improvements.
Coolville and Shirley are the other two host cities, and the strong regional rivalry between them tends to color all discussion involving most things sporting.
Coolville is the capital of Midalia state and the fifth largest city in Baker Park. The citizens have a bit of an identity crisis, with the other main towns in the state (St Warren & Kellerville) and their down-river neighbors Shirley all having less than positive feelings for them. One of the two major cities (Lima being the other) in the Chemical and synthetic products industry. Can be reached by air via Shirley's airport (45 minutes via train/1 hr 10 mins by car).
Activities away from the game include tours of the State Senate Building; the Midalia Exhibition Center, a mass appeal museum; or a trip out of the city to the east, where the mountains that hug the entire southeastern border of the nation provide a backdrop to natural beauty.
Belvedere Course is a short 15 minute train ride south of the city, and hosts thoroughbred horse racing, as well steeplechase in the fall, 5 days a week (Monday/Tuesday excluded). Home to the second leg of the Commonwealth's Triple Crown, the Victoria Plate (the others being the Commonwealth Derby and the Prince Regent Stakes), first post is always at 1:27 pm.
Coolville's downtown business area is approximately a 10-12 minute walk south of Carrollton, although there are a few smallish pubs near the stadium.
Carrollton (Round of 16,
Group D: MD2 1v2, MD3 4v5 (Day), MD4 1v4, MD5 5v1/
Group F: MD1 2v5, MD3 3v1 (Night))
The home of Coolville United FC will host a major tourney for the fourth time since the last of its four stands were enlarged (WC84 & 90, AOCAF 65).
Shirley is the capital and largest city of St Leon and sixth largest in the country. It was the third of the primary hubs of the Baker International (after Belle Haven and Endborough) established by the Baker family. It is the headquarters of the Commonwealth Mining Corporation, whose office tower is known as "Black Rock", the second tallest building in the Commonwealth at 67 stories with a breathtaking view from the Observation Deck. Naturally that makes Shirley the center of the oil, coal and gas industry in this country.
Another state capital, another government building, the extravagant House of Delegates is a lesson in excessive use of gold leaf (there is more on the dome of this building than in the entirety of Parliament House in BH!) throughout the building.
There is also the Museum of Mining east of downtown, near the University of St Leon; take a tour of an abandoned mine in nearby Shirley Heights; Mountain Circus, a modern amusement park is approximately 25 minutes southeast of the city in McIlroy Borough (have no fear, it's not a real circus!), and a ride on the elevated tramway through the city is a must.
Both cities share the Shirley International Airport, approximately 20 miles northeast of the city. There is fast transportation to and from both cities via rail and expressway.
CONAGCO Stadium (Round of 16,
Group D: MD1 3v4 (Day), MD3 3v1, MD4 2v3 (Night)/
Group F: 3v4 (Night), MD2 1v2, MD4 1v4 (Day), MD5 5v1)
The transition from historic President's Park to the CONAGCO has gone smoother than expected for the tenants that call it home. Fans have been nearly unanimous in their praise, teams are happier and of course the extra gate revenue is particularly welcome.
Located near the campus of the University of St Leon, the stadium is simply one of the best places to watch an event at in person.
Alton is the capital of Lynchana, the Commonwealth's smallest state. It was one of the 6 towns that reached City Corporation status two years ago by reaching 150,000 residents. It has one of the nation's most picturesque surroundings with the mountains forming a semi-circle. The area to the south and southwest is being transformed from mining into a growing winter sports resort.
War Memorial Stadium (
Group D: MD1 2v5, MD2 5v3 (Night), MD5 4v2/
Group F: MD2 5v3 (Day), MD3 4v5, MD4 2v3)
The stadium has played host to matches in the Women's World Cup, Baker Park Open Cup and the Under 18 World Cup.
FoodCuisine is not a word that conjures up thoughts of innovative technique, imaginative flavor combinations and visually stunning dishes in the Commonwealth. There isn't what you would call a native national dish or particular characteristic of taste combinations.
That's not to say that people don't eat well in this country, nor do they eat a particularly unhealthy diet; in fact, if you wanted to pinpoint one thing that differentiates Baker Park at the dining table, it's the idea of less is more. Go to a grocery store anywhere in the Commonwealth and browse the aisles where pre-packaged food is displayed—pick an item or two and flip over to the ingredient list; the thing that will strike you is probably the absence of many commonly used preservatives that commercial processors use throughout the world. There are no long words starting with mono-, dextro-, no gums or acids. No added coloring or flavors.
Because of the size of the country, it's not necessary for food to have a long shelf life, except in circumstances where you're dealing in staple items. We eat more of what people call 'raw food' than many industrialized nations, starting with cereals & grains. We grow enough wheat to provide the equivalent of an 80 pound sack to every man, woman & child annually, and about a similar amount of rye & barley combined.
The whole kernels are often substituted where rice would be used in a dish (we import all of the rice used in this country, as it is one of the few crops that has never been successfully grown on a large scale here), so a rye or wheat berry pilaf is a ubiquitous presence on menus and at family meals. Corn & oats are also grown, although a greater percentage of annual yield goes to feed livestock than the others.
Obviously, bread is also an important element of the Baker Park diet; naval ships at sea bake bread fresh every day for their crews, and local, family-run bakeries are not yet a thing of the past here; it can be a lucrative profession to enter into, especially if combined with the ubiquitous BP establishment, the luncheonette.
Luncheonettes thrive across the nation, based on a simple theory that offering a simple menu of food that can be purchased and eaten on the go is more profitable than a large menu that has to be prepared on demand. They are generally cafeteria style service—you move along in a line, choosing from the assortment of items on offer, pay and away you go. Typically there will be 2-3 choices of cold salads, soups, sandwiches or hot food (casserole, meat pie, etc) and desserts, with a rotating selection daily.
Because traditional food is basic, imported cuisines are extremely popular as dine-in experiences; East Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, African and the usual variety of Italian, Greek, French, Spanish, and Caribbean restaurants can be found everywhere (and one reason why the government subsidizes the import of rice).
Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2023 6:47 pm
